Your packaging is a throttling problem.
The reality check is that your parcel gets on an escapade from the time it gets tossed onto the conveyor belts, being stocked in congested warehouses suffers through multiple hand slips, dropping and even getting squeezed while stacked within other packages.
It is too much for a single box to handle. If this is not a rough patch to walk through, what could it be?
The significance of good packaging cannot be overstated in the context of international shipping. A well-packaged parcel ensures that your goods enjoy safe travel and a secure delivery at the end.
Look at some of the essential steps to pack your parcel safely.
1. Choice of the right box
Size matters a lot.
In most cases, the boxes are either stuffed to the neck or left wide open for immense circulation of air which is primarily the cause for disaster.
How to choose the right box?
- Pick a sturdy box- Always choose double or triple-layered corrugated boxes instead of one that works the best based on your packaging needs.
- Choose the right size- Not too big nor too small, just fit to size is enough to survive. If a size is too small a size packed with more items, the box tends to burst open at some point in time. It is always necessary to leave 1 to 2 inches of padding space around your items.
- Avoid repurposing used boxes- Secondary usage of boxes will quickly lead to wear and tear of it.
2. Provide proper cushioning
Always keep an eye out for the what-if scenarios!
Imagine a situation where your package falls out of a truck and the product is delivered as a damaged good. Not sounding too pessimistic, but the odds of it not happening are not slim.
Instead of rooting out to prevent it, preparing your package accordingly would be a better option to identify. Therefore, getting a best friend named ‘cushions’ would help you serve the purpose.
How to cushion your package?
Don’t leave empty spaces- Always try and fill the empty spaces of the boxes with foam inserts, crumpled paper, or air pillows.
Bubble wrap – Make sure to wrap each item with two to three layers of bubble wrap to ensure firm protection.
Double box for fragile items- Increase the protection by two boxes for delicate and fragile items, where you keep the first inside the second box.
Liquid Items- If you are boxing up liquid items, you can make sure to make it leakproof and zip-lock covers.
3. Clear and neat labelling
The absence of a neat and clear labelling is a warning alarm waiting to give it a siren.
Consequently, the package gets delayed or returned when the customs department fails to read and retrieve the information.
How to label your package?
- Get used to printed labels- Since handwritten labels are smudgy, it is always better to replace them with printed labels.
- Place a return address- In case of undelivered status of your product, having a return address in place will help you get routed back.
- Special Instructions- Especially in the usage of fragile items, it is better to apply stickers like ‘Open carefully’, and ‘Fragile items’.
- Secure the label with tape- Labels are easily prone to tear off with rough handling or water spillage.
4. Navigating customs clearance
The feeling of getting stuck couldn’t be much worse.
Even for shipments, it is a worst-case scenario, when it gets stagnant within the customs office as you have accidentally packed a restricted item.
Each country invariably varies corresponding to their restricted entries and one might have to know the know-how before starting to send the packages.
In general, a few items are prohibited from entering any country which are,
- Alcohols
- Batteries
- Perishable foods
- Aerosols and perfumes
- Certain electronics
5. Working with a reliable delivery partner
Making a choice matters at last.
The obvious choice of a reliable delivery partner makes all the difference for you as the market is filled with many operators spanning from well-established brands to many regional players. Some of the list of shipping partners are,
- Brown Post- Affordable, fast and reliable courier partner specifically suited for last-minute shipment deliveries.
- Parcel Chief- Best suited for personal courier shipments
- FedEx- Recognised for time-sensitive shipments
- UPS- Ensured with best customer assistance
Pro-Tip: Although well-known labelled items mostly fall under the consideration criteria for most of the shippers, still regional courier partners like Brown Post are worth trying as they provide equivalent services at an affordable price range.
Wrap-Up
Packaging for shipments internationally is not a checklist to be ticked.
While the intent behind the packing is about securing the items present inside the box, it deserves undivided attention and do it with ultimate caution.
Be it a loving snack to be sent to your loved ones settled abroad, or filling with materials for a business purchase, a systematic way of packaging must be integrated to make sure things doesn’t fall out of place.
Your shipment needs to be guarded, so will be your packaging too from now.
